Culture Minister to call for spirit of collaboration at heritage summit

Media Releases

Culture Minister Michael Russell will call for the fostering of a spirit of collaboration at the opening of the Built and Historic Environment Summit in Glasgow today (3rd November). The summit, the first of its kind since devolution, will bring together over 100 representatives from Scotland’s key heritage and built environment bodies to discuss the future of the sector. The heritage industry alone is worth in excess of Â£2.3 billion to the Scottish economy, and supports more than 60,000 full time employees.

In centuries past the vast Mons Meg siege cannon was hauled across Scotland to demolish the castle walls of the king’s enemies. But even though its wheels were entirely made of wood and iron it seems it could suffer the medieval equivalent of a flat tyre. While it has been stood quietly on the ramparts of Edinburgh Castle for some years without moving, the sheer pressure of the six-ton barrel and the two-ton carriage has distorted the metal band round one of the wheels.

The history of Kirkintilloch can be traced back to the Roman invasion and a new book looks at how it has evolved over the centuries. Historic Kirkintilloch: Archaeology and Development is the latest in the Scottish Burgh Surveys produced by Historic Scotland and the Council for British Archaeology. Authors Martin Rorke, Patricia Dennison, Simon Stronach and Russel Coleman look at a range of historic remains that is rare among Scotland’s towns. Patricia Dennison said: “As one of the authors, I would like to express my appreciation of the welcome received from the people of Kirkintilloch. Our research was helped greatly by the assistance of Don Martin and staff at the William Patrick Library and by Morag Cross, and it was so willingly given. “Kirkintilloch is fortunate in the preservation of many old and interesting features and transport links. I hope that this Burgh Survey will help to continue their conservation.”

Ninety years ago this November the nation marked the first anniversary of the end of the Great War in which 150,000 Scots had died. On the weekend of 7 and 8 November, visitors to Edinburgh Castle will be able to meet costumed performers and find out more about life at the end of the First World War and in its immediate aftermath. They will also be able to see original objects, paperwork, medals and memorabilia which give insights into lives of troops during the conflict. An expert will also be present to help people doing research into ancestors who served in the First World War.

Repairing and maintaining Scotland’s historic churches and places of worship often requires traditional skills and materials. A new CD Rom produced by Historic Scotland will give advice on a range of building techniques to guide this vital work. Minister for Culture, External Affairs and the Constitution Michael Russell today (Tuesday) joined church leaders to launch the new resource. Speaking at St Mary’s Cathedral in Edinburgh, the Minister said: “In most communities across Scotland, church buildings and places of worship are likely to be amongst the oldest and most historic structures in the entire area - and often the best loved too."